Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson's inspiration for came from witnessing a massage oil spill ravage the Santa Barbara, California coast in 1969.
Once the largest oil spill in United States history, the manmade disaster poured an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 barrels of crude oil into the Santa Barbara Channel within a ten-day period. Irreparable damaging to the marine ecosystem led to intense media coverage and, eventually, stringent environmental protection legislation.
Nelson was inspired by the sight of civilian volunteers' attempts to save tar-covered birds. He, along with Republican Congressman Pete McClosky, announced a national "teach-in on the environment" day in hopes that millions of selfless Americans would mimic those along the California coast. They did.
Groups staged protests against pollutant factories and power plants. They fought against raw sewage dumps and pesticides. Endangered species brought people together, many with the estimated 3,500 birds killed in Santa Barbara in mind.
Earth Day 1970 led to the creations of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of numerous environmentally-friendly laws. Watchdog groups like Greenpeace, the Clean Water Network, and the World Wildlife Fund formed to carry Nelson's vision forward on a daily basis.
By 2013, over one billion people in 192 countries were participating. Denmark organizes its annual CO 2 Green Drive Project where runners, walkers, and bikers use the city as a canvass to spell out "CO 2" with GPS devices. People along the Great Wall of China pick up litter across the vast wall.
In the United States, President Obama devoted Earth Day to speaking about climate change. Obama ventured into the Florida everglades where rising sea levels could taint fresh water supplies.
Every year on April 22, citizens all over the country get to play a part. Let's take a look at ways Los Angeles and Orange County residents can participate in Earth Day 2015.
Earth Day at UCLA (Westwood) - April 20-24, times vary
Weeklong Earth Day events at the UCLA campus include art competitions, seminars, and speaking panels.
A film festival held at James Bridges Theatre features four different films exploring environmental issues. On April 23, UCLA faculty will hold a panel to discuss environmental humanities themes while focusing on food production.
Though all events are free, some do require registration or RSVP. Visit UCLA's E3: Ecology, Economy, Equality page for more info.
Earth Day Festival (Long Beach) - April 25-26, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Aquarium of the Pacific will host 15th annual Earth Day festival this weekend. Various Earth-friendly organizations will be on hand and people of all ages can join in hands-on learning demonstrations.
Price of admission is $28.95 for adults, $14.95 for children, and free for aquarium members. Luckily, an eWaste trade-in gets you $10 off on adult admission.
Earth Day at the Bay (Newport Beach) - April 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The 25tha Annual Earth Day at the Bay will feature exhibits and booths aim at helping people connect with Mother Nature. Newport Bay Conservancy, in partnership with OC Parks, will set up a variety of activities, including: live music, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, and environmental movie shorts.
Admission and parking are free. Cash-only food trucks will also be on hand. Head to the Newport Bay Conservancy website for more information.
Ocean Institute Earth Day (Dana Point) - April 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Those looking for a hands-on day can take part in the Ocean Institute's celebration. Beach/harbor cleanup volunteers get free admission to all the day's activities.
Learn how to make eco-friendly crafts, learn the importance of protecting nature, and explore marine life along the Dana Point harbor. In addition, Bruno Skateboards will be on hand to spread words of conservation and recycling, and author Joel Harper will hold a book signing in the gift shop.
Members get in free and general price of admission ranges from $4.50 to $6.50.
Earth Day Celebration and Concert (Manhattan Beach) - April 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Activities at Marine Avenue Park consist of live music, a composting class, children's activities, and lessons on Eco-education. In addition, visitors can win prizes by answering eco-related questions.
A free bike corral and free electric shuttle transportation will be available. Visit greenvoice.org for parking info.
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